7 DAYS “Spanish Odyssey” Cruise

From Genoa, visiting Marseilles, Palma de Mallorca, Almeria (Granada), Malaga, Tangier, Gibraltar, Ibiza, Barcelona, ending at Genoa.

Onboard “CORAL”

Genoa, Italy
Genua was a city of the ancient Ligurians. Its name is probably .Ligurian, meaning "knee", i.e. "angle", from its geographical position, thus akin to the name of Geneva. Or it could derive from the Celtic root genu-, genawa (pl. genowe), meaning "mouth",i.e., estuary, or from the Latin word of Celtic origin "ianua", meaning "door". Part of the old city of Genoa was inscribed on the World Heritage List (UNESCO) in 2006 The main features of central Genoa include Piazza De Ferrari,around which are sited the Opera and the Palace of the Doges.There is also a house where Christopher Columbus is said to have been born.

Marseilles, France
For 2,600 years, Marseilles has been a port: from Massalia, the Phocean city, to Marseilles gateway to the East, maritime adventure and the rapid expansion of trade in the 19th century are evoked from the Old Port. The large historic buildings representing many political and religious symbols, which tell the story of the city can be seen on this itinerary. These are all there: Saint Victor Abbey, Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, the cathedrals, Palais Longchamps, and the famous Old Port with The Canebière. Also, you can see all the large residences, villas or mansions, chose the exceptional site of the Corniche: architectural surprises, extravagance or elegance, splendid views of the sea, Castle of If, can be seen everywhere

Palma de Mallorca, Spain
From the port, a short motor coach drive admiring the olive trees and the local vegetation will transport you to Valldemossa, one of the most beautiful villages of Majorca. Located on the western area of the island and at almost 400 m. above the sea level.

Its origin goes back to the times when the Arabs were establishing their first farmsteads, although some traces of prehistoric settlements have also been found. Once in Valldemossa, you will visit La Cartuja, built as a hunting lodge at the beginning of the fourteenth century by the King Sancho. But finally in 1400 was progressively transformed into a monastery inhabited by Carthusian Monks. A small chapel, an ancient pharmacy, the prior's cell with a private oratory, a library that houses the monk's books and manuscripts, and other monk's cells that shows their way of life, will be discovered by you during the course. A ten minutes piano concert will be the perfect ending to the view to this village, considered like a balm to the spirits.

Promenade reaching the Bellver Castle, one of the most important examples of Gothic civil architecture in Mallorca. It was built by Jaume II at the beginning of the 14th century. It was conceives as a defensive redoubt and royal residence. But it became most famous, or infamous, as a prison, from the Middle Ages until the Civil War. Next stop will be at the Cathedral which presides the city and frames its silhouette. Constructed between the 13th and the 14th century it is one of the finest pure Gothic examples of the continent. The visit to the Cathedral's Museum can not be passed by as it contains interesting works of Gothic painting.

Next to it stands the Almudaina Palace, a monument which was converted from an Arab fortress into the residence of the Kings of Mallorca. Guides will point out the most important aspects of this monument from the outside. Next, you will pass by the Bull Ring and after you will be driven to the ship.

Almeria (Granada), Spain
a city with prestigious and exceedingly beautiful Moorish buildings and a luxuriantly green setting over which the city looks out to the snow-capped Sierra Nevada on the horizon. You will first visit the 14th century Generalife (740 mt above sea level), the summer palace of the kings of Granada, which is particularly enjoyable for its cool, green terraced water gardens and the views it offers of the Sierra Nevada, Darro valley, across to the old quarter of Albaicin and the gypsy haunts of Sacromonte.

Malaga, Spain
Enjoy a pleasant drive to the Gibralfaro, a Muslim castle constructed by an 8th century emir and commanding a spectacular panorama of the city below. Delight in a visit of the Cathedral, known to the locals as La Manquita one armed as to this day the east tower of the edifice is incomplete. The cathedral boasts an 18th century baroque façade and the ornate interior is a combination of Gothic and Renaissance architecture The Alhambra Palace , The Alhambra of Granada (694 mt above sea level), a fortress from the 9th century, is perched on a hill overlooking Granada and it comprises two principle parts; the fortress and the Nasrid Palace with the lush gardens. It is one of the most remarkable castles ever constructed and it boasts architectural splendour and lush surroundings

Tangier, Morocco
At the cross-roads of Europe and Africa, of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Tangier opens the door onto Morocco. Look, listen and smell: the diversity of the bustling crowds, the heavy fragrances in the markets, the murmurs of the sea and city blending together a feast of sensations that stuns the senses. There is still an air of mystery about the city, going back to the time when Tangier was an international zone. Tangier the white, the star of many films, the city of many stars - The city you fall in love with. Many are those who came here just to visit and then decided to settle permanently. Since its foundation, Tangier has been coveted by many different people and many different powers. Conquered, won back, liberated - but its power of seduction remains the same. It attracts tourists from all over the world, as well as Moroccans enchanted by its refreshing climate. You set out to conquer Tangier, but you are the one who will be conquered.

Gibraltar, B.C.C.
The Rock of Gibraltar is located at the entrance of the Mediterranean. Its strategic location and history have made it an international symbol of solidity and strength, and it frequently features in the world press and media.

Gibraltar is connected to Spain by a sandy isthmus, a ferry to Morocco and flights to London. The subject of repeated conquest and sieges, Gibraltar has been a British Territory since 1704. Ceded forever to Britain by Spain in the Treaty of Utrecht (1713), Gibraltar joined the EU in 1973, under the British Treaty of Accession.The locally elected Government of Gibraltar has created a solid economy. In a modern Europe, this has its base in Offshore finance, shipping, tourism and the Internet rather than the military past. There is, however, much of that for the tourist to see, along with the famous apes.

Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza (Catalan: Eivissa) is an island and town located in the Mediterranean Sea about 80 km off the coast of Spain. It is the third largest of the Balearic Islands autonomous community (Spain). With Formentera, it is one of the two Pine Islands or Pityuses. Its largest cities are Ibiza Town (Catalan:Vila d'Eivissa or simply Vila), Santa Eulària des Riu and Sant Antoni de Portmany.

Eivissa is the official Catalan name (pronounced locally [əiˈvisə] and [əiˈβisə] in Standard Catalan), but the name in Spanish is Ibiza, usually pronounced using the standard Spanish variation [iˈβ̞iθa]. In British English, the name is usually pronounced the Spanish way

Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a major economic centre with one of Europe's principal Mediterranean ports, and Barcelona International Airport is the second largest in Spain after Madrid-Barajas Airport. Founded as a Roman city, Barcelona became the capital of the Counts of Barcelona. After merging with the Kingdom of Aragon, it became one of the most important cities of the Crown of Aragon. Besieged several times during its history, Barcelona is today an important cultural centre and a major tourist destination and has a rich cultural heritage. Particularly renowned are architectural works of Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is well known in recent times for the 1992 Summer Olympics. The headquarters of the Union for the Mediterranean are located in Barcelona.As the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona houses the seat of the Catalan government, known as the Generalitat de Catalunya; of particular note are the executive branch, the parliament, and the Supreme Court of Catalonia. The city is also the capital of the Barcelonès comarca (shire).

Genoa, Italy
Genua was a city of the ancient Ligurians. Its name is probably .Ligurian, meaning "knee", i.e. "angle", from its geographical position, thus akin to the name of Geneva. Or it could derive from the Celtic root genu-, genawa (pl. genowe), meaning "mouth",i.e., estuary, or from the Latin word of Celtic origin "ianua", meaning "door". Part of the old city of Genoa was inscribed on the World Heritage List (UNESCO) in 2006 The main features of central Genoa include Piazza De Ferrari,around which are sited the Opera and the Palace of the Doges.There is also a house where Christopher Columbus is said to have been born.